Virtual Learning Opportunities

AmericanHort Webinar: The Paycheck Protection Program: What You Need to KnowHave you already received a PPP Loan or thinking about still applying for one? Join AmericanHort staff along with senior associates Kala Jenkins and Beth Swanson from K-Coe Isom, the nation’s leading agricultural consulting and accounting firm, to discuss recent developments on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). These experts will address seasonality requirements, certification of need, loan forgiveness, as well as potential tax breaks & credits. The application period for this $2T Government stimulus package is open until June 30, 2020. ACCESS RECORDING

Webinar: Understanding the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness ProcessWhat does the new Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application form from the U.S. Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) mean for your small business or nonprofit, and how can you make sure your PPP loan is forgiven? Join us for the latest national webcast in our Paycheck Protection Webinar Series, "Understanding the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Process" to have your questions on loan forgiveness answered by Tracy Ward, Director of the SBA 504 Loan Program at Self-Help Federal Credit Union, and other PPP experts. ACCESS RECORDING

AmericanHort Women in Horticulture Webinar: An Interview with Jennifer MossWednesday, June 3 at 1PM CST

AmericanHort is pleased to present this educational and inspirational interview series with accomplished women from the green industry. Hear their stories of accomplishment, challenges overcome, and life lessons learned as they’ve navigated their career that will provide you inspiration and encouragement. In this interview, we will hear from Jennifer Moss. Jennifer is the owner and director of sales and marketing at Moss Greenhouses in Jerome, Idaho and has just been named to the GPN 40 Under 40 class of 2020. She and her brother are taking over the operation from their parents, so we will learn more about what it is like to become the next generation business owner. REGISTER HERE

The Horticultural Research Institute is pleased to share a roundtable discussion and Q&A with the researchers representing USDA's Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI)'s Resilient Plant Group. Bring your coffee and questions!

A set of pre-recorded webinars featuring the FNRI "Resilient Plant Group" researchers will drop on the HRI website June 1st. Watch one or all, then hop on this webinar on June 4th for a fun and informative chat session with an all-star line-up of: Dr. John Erwin, University of Maryland; Dr. Jim Faust, Clemson University; Dr. Paul Fisher, University of Florida; Dr. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M; Dr. Roberto Lopez, Michigan State University; Dr. Erik Runkle, Michigan State University. This group collaborates to benefit greenhouse production through practical, applied research in areas such as energy inputs, water use optimization, resource efficiencies, economic efficiencies, and lighting. REGISTER HERE

Webinar: Fiber Pots: Can You Really Grow and Sell in Them?Tuesday, June 9 at 12PM CST

Some retailers and consumers are asking for environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic growing pots. Enter fiber pots, made from recycled, sustainable materials. But can you effectively and efficiently produce crops in them and successfully retail plants in them? Absolutely! says The HC Companies of their EcoGrow Organic Growing Container. REGISTER HERE

Healthy soil is the foundation of successful landscaping projects, but it can also beneficially impact soil and water protection, which is becoming a more pertinent issue in project development. In fact, soil restoration and improvement is at the core of low-impact development and green building standards, as outlined in the Sustainable SITES Initiative. Aside from greatly enhancing plant survival, improved soil quality enhances water infiltration (and conservation), climate protection, stormwater management, and our human and wildlife habitats. "Soil and Site" best management practices (BMPs), like the compost-focused project specifications being taught in this webinar, are now required on various Missouri and regional projects. Soil decompaction and amendments assist with both stormwater management and flood protection. These climate resilient techniques not only assure long-term project success, but can be used by a savvy practitioner to save money and time on a variety of land development projects. LEARN MORE

Jen Browning and Peggy Clanton of BASF, and Jorge Bernal of Costa Farms discuss the management of aphids, whiteflies, mealybug and scale insects on ornamentals, being in close contact with your target pests, seasonality and timing, and the best approaches to get your IPM to really deliver. REGISTER HERE

Webinar: Using Friendly Fungi to Optimize Ornamental ProductionWednesday, July 8 at 2PM CST

Join Mycorrhizal Applications to learn about why mycorrhizae are important for plant vitality and how these symbiotic organisms can improve plant nutrient uptake and utilization, increase nutrient availability, maximize water utilization, build soil structure and health and more. You will also learn how to utilize this natural, organic, sustainable technology in your own operations, review many of the FAQs and concerns regarding this technology, and discuss how you can adjust growing protocols to take full advantage of the mycorrhizal benefits. Plus, you’ll learn the scientific basics of how these symbiotic structures lead to an improved finished product and best practices to implement this technology. REGISTER HERE

How to Sell Landscape Virtually

Selling landscaping work has radically changed in a short period of time. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adapt in how we communicate. You, your customers, and prospects are becoming more and more comfortable with this. So how do you sell landscape work over video? LEARN MORE

Irrigation Professionals - Full Series of Webinars from HunterACCESS HERE

Zero-Contact Sales: How to Get Through the Spring Season - ACCESS RECORDINGNo-Contact Sales: A Discussion with Garden Center Retailers - ACCESS RECORDINGManaging COVID-19: Sales and Marketing Tips for the Independent Garden Center - ACCESS RECORDING

Greenhouse Grower Shop TalkGreenhouse Grower - AmericanHort and the United Fresh Produce Association have both been extremely active in the last month in helping members of their respective associations stay viable during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a Greenhouse Grower exclusive "Shop Talk" video, AmericanHort President and CEO Ken Fisher and United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel recently sat down to discuss what they are hearing from growers and supply partners across their industries. WATCH VIDEO